Antepartum Nursing 2026 |
Prenatal Care, Pregnancy
Complications, Practice
Questions & Exam Review
| Complete Ethics Study
Guide
Updated 2026 Questions and Answers
100% Verified Exam Prep and Comprehensive
Rationales
Included
,A charge nurse is completing client assignments for the Correct response:
nursing staff on the pediatric unit. Which client would the an 8-year-old with Rubella
nurse refrain from assigning to a pregnant staff member? Explanation:
a 2-year-old with Kawasaki's disease
an 8-year-old with Rubella Rubella (German measles) has a teratogenic effect on the fetus. An infected child
a 3-month-old with Roseola must be isolated from pregnant women. Ringworm is caused by a fungal infection
a 6-year-old with ringworm on the skin. Standard hand hygiene is necessary. Kawasaki's disease is an
autoimmune disease in which blood vessels become inflamed. Roseola is a virus
transferred by oral secretions.
When assessing a pregnant client with diabetes mellitus, Correct response:
the nurse stays alert for signs and symptoms of a vaginal +3 urine glucose
or urinary tract infection (UTI). Which laboratory value Explanation:
makes this client more susceptible to such infections? Glycosuria, evidenced by a +3 urine glucose level, predisposes the pregnant
+3 urine glucose diabetic client to vaginal infections (especially Candida vaginitis) and UTIs, because
blood glucose level of 60 mg/dL (3.3mmol/L) the hormonal changes of pregnancy affect vaginal pH and the bladder. Electrolyte
potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L (3.0 mmol/L) imbalances, such as a potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L and hypoglycemia, evidenced
hemoglobin A1C of 6.8% by a blood glucose level of 60 mg/dl (3.3 mmol/L), aren't associated with vaginal
\]]]]]]]]]]]]]] infections or UTIs. Hemoglobin A1C of 6.8% is within normal range for a client with
diabetes and doesn't increase the client's risk for infection.
An 18-year-old pregnant client tells the nurse that she is Correct response:
concerned that she may not be able to take care of herself should be referred to community resources available for pregnant women.
during her pregnancy. She states that she is not sure what Explanation:
prenatal care is available, or if she should access it. The The client needs to know that many freely available resources exist, and the nurse
nurse should recognize that the client: should help her to find such resources. It doesn't necessarily mean that the client
should be referred to community resources available for has no interest in caring for herself or her child.
pregnant women.
may not take care of herself.
may not be fit to take care of a child.
needs to find a second job.
A nurse is assisting in developing a teaching plan for a Correct response:
client who is about to enter the third trimester of blurred vision
pregnancy. The teaching plan should note that which Explanation:
symptom should be reported immediately?
hemorrhoids During pregnancy, blurred vision may be a danger sign of preeclampsia or
dyspnea on exertion eclampsia, complications that require immediate attention because they can cause
increased vaginal mucus severe maternal and fetal consequences. Although hemorrhoids may occur during
blurred vision pregnancy, they do not require immediate attention. Dyspnea on exertion and
increased vaginal mucus are common discomforts caused by the physiologic
changes of pregnancy.
Following a positive pregnancy test, a client begins Correct response:
discussing the changes that will occur in the next several experiencing ambivalence about pregnancy
months with the nurse. The nurse should include which Explanation:
information about a change the client can anticipate in the
first trimester? Many women in their first trimester feel ambivalent about being pregnant because of
experiencing ambivalence about pregnancy the significant life changes that occur for most women who have a child.
differentiating the self from the fetus Ambivalence can be expressed as a list of positive and negative consequences of
enjoying the role of nurturer having a child, consideration of financial and social implications, and possible
preparing for the reality of parenthood career changes. During the second trimester, the infant becomes a separate
individual to the mother. The mother will begin to enjoy the role of nurturer
postpartum. During the third trimester, the mother begins to prepare for parenthood
and all of the tasks that parenthood includes.
A client, now 37 weeks pregnant, calls the clinic because Correct response:
she is concerned about being short of breath and is unable Explain that these are expected problems for the latter stages of pregnancy.
to sleep unless she places three pillows under her head. Explanation:
After listening to the client's concerns, the nurse should The nurse must distinguish between normal physiologic complaints of the latter
take which action? stages of pregnancy and those that need referral to the health care provider. In this
Arrange for the client to be admitted to the birth center and case, the client indicates normal physiologic changes caused by the growing uterus
prepare for birth. and pressure on the diaphragm. These signs don't indicate heart failure. The client
Make an appointment because the client needs to be doesn't need to be seen or admitted to the birth center.
evaluated.
Explain that these are expected problems for the latter
stages of pregnancy.
Tell the client to go to the hospital; she may be
experiencing signs of heart failure.
, After the nurse instructs a pregnant client about swimming Correct response:
and bathing during pregnancy, which client statement "I can relax in a hot tub for about 20 minutes."
indicates the need for additional teaching? Explanation:
"I should avoid sitting in a sauna for prolonged periods." Exposure to temperature extremes, such as from a hot tub, can cause damage to
"I can take a bath daily but should be careful not to fall." the fetus. Therefore, the client should avoid relaxing in a hot tub. The client's
"I can continue to swim as long as my membranes aren't statement that relaxing in the hot tub would be OK indicates a need for further
ruptured." teaching.Swimming and tub bathing are allowed as long as the client's membranes
"I can relax in a hot tub for about 20 minutes." have not ruptured. During the last trimester of pregnancy, the client's center of
gravity has shifted. Therefore, the nurse should emphasize safety during tub
bathing and swimming. Sitting in a sauna can cause damage to the fetus due to
temperature extremes, so this activity should be avoided. The statements that
swimming is not harmful, that bathing is not harmful, and that prolonged sauna use
should be avoided are all correct and indicate that teaching of these concepts is not
needed.
The health care provider prescribes clomiphene citrate for Correct response:
a woman who has been having difficulty getting pregnant. chance of multiple gestation.
When teaching the client about this drug, the nurse should Explanation:
discuss what potential adverse effects? Clomiphene citrate is a fertility drug that induces ovulation in women desiring
increase in fibrocystic breast disease pregnancy. One of the drug's most common adverse effects is multiple gestation
increase in congenital anomalies (twins or triplets).An increase in spontaneous abortions is not associated with
chance of multiple gestation. clomiphene citrate.Evidence does not support an association between the use of
increase in spontaneous abortions clomiphene citrate and an increase in fibrocystic breast disease.An increase in
congenital anomalies is not associated with clomiphene citrate.
While assessing a multigravid client at 10 weeks' Correct response:
gestation, the nurse notes a purplish color to the vagina Chadwick's sign
and cervix. The nurse documents this as what finding? Explanation:
Goodell's sign A purplish blue discoloration of the vagina and cervix is termed Chadwick's sign; it is
Chadwick's sign caused by increased vascularity of the vagina during pregnancy and is considered a
melasma probable sign of pregnancy. Goodell's sign, also considered a probable sign of
Hegar's sign pregnancy, refers to a softening of the cervix during pregnancy. Hegar's sign, also a
probable sign of pregnancy, refers to a softening of the lower uterine segment.
Melasma, the mask of pregnancy, refers to the pigmentation of the skin on the face
during pregnancy. Melasma is considered a presumptive sign of pregnancy.
A client who's 2 months pregnant complains of urinary Correct response:
frequency and says she gets up several times at night to Explain that urinary frequency is expected during the first trimester.
go to the bathroom. She denies other urinary symptoms. Explanation:
How should the nurse intervene? Urinary frequency is expected during the first trimester as the growing uterus exerts
Explain that urinary frequency isn't a sign of urinary tract pressure on the client's bladder. Although the client should increase fluid intake
infection (UTI). during pregnancy, she should avoid drinking fluids after 6 p.m. to reduce the need to
Explain that urinary frequency is expected during the first get up at night. Because urinary frequency is a normal discomfort of pregnancy and
trimester. the client has no other signs or symptoms of UTI, referral to a urologist is
Advise the client to decrease her daily fluid intake. unnecessary. Urinary frequency, dysuria, and voiding of small amounts of urine
Refer the client to a urologist for further investigation. indicate UTI.
A 20-year-old client visiting the clinic requests the use of Correct response:
oral contraceptives. When reviewing the client's history, thrombophlebitis
which finding would alert the nurse to a possible Explanation:
contraindication to using these agents? Oral contraceptives are contraindicated for clients with a history of thrombophlebitis
urinary tract infections because a serious side effect of oral contraceptives is thrombus formation. Other
menorrhagia contraindications include stroke and liver disease. Oral contraceptives are used
ulcerative colitis cautiously in clients with hypertension or diabetes. Close follow-up of these clients
thrombophlebitis is essential.Urinary tract infections (UTIs) do not contraindicate the use of oral
contraceptives. If the client is suffering from UTIs, the nurse can instruct her to
increase her fluid intake and wipe from front to back after urinating or
defecating.Ulcerative colitis does not contraindicate using oral
contraceptives.Menorrhagia is typically reduced through the use of oral
contraceptives.
A client is a gravida 2 para 1 and is currently 12 weeks Correct response:
gestation. She states that she drank beer throughout her "It is not safe to consume alcohol during pregnancy."
last pregnancy. The client asks the nurse if it is okay to Explanation:
have a few drinks during this current pregnancy. Which Complete abstinence from alcohol use during pregnancy is recommended. A safe
response by the nurse would be most appropriate? level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy has not yet been established.
"It is not safe to consume alcohol in the second and third Conclusive evidence surrounding the effects of either social or moderate drinking on
trimesters but the first is safe if consumed in moderation." the fetus, regardless of trimester or gestation, are not available. The best answer is
"It is safer to consume wine than beer during pregnancy." to advise the pregnant women to abstain from all alcohol usage.
"It is safe to consume 5 ounces or less of alcohol per week
in the first trimester."
"It is not safe to consume alcohol during pregnancy."
Prenatal Care, Pregnancy
Complications, Practice
Questions & Exam Review
| Complete Ethics Study
Guide
Updated 2026 Questions and Answers
100% Verified Exam Prep and Comprehensive
Rationales
Included
,A charge nurse is completing client assignments for the Correct response:
nursing staff on the pediatric unit. Which client would the an 8-year-old with Rubella
nurse refrain from assigning to a pregnant staff member? Explanation:
a 2-year-old with Kawasaki's disease
an 8-year-old with Rubella Rubella (German measles) has a teratogenic effect on the fetus. An infected child
a 3-month-old with Roseola must be isolated from pregnant women. Ringworm is caused by a fungal infection
a 6-year-old with ringworm on the skin. Standard hand hygiene is necessary. Kawasaki's disease is an
autoimmune disease in which blood vessels become inflamed. Roseola is a virus
transferred by oral secretions.
When assessing a pregnant client with diabetes mellitus, Correct response:
the nurse stays alert for signs and symptoms of a vaginal +3 urine glucose
or urinary tract infection (UTI). Which laboratory value Explanation:
makes this client more susceptible to such infections? Glycosuria, evidenced by a +3 urine glucose level, predisposes the pregnant
+3 urine glucose diabetic client to vaginal infections (especially Candida vaginitis) and UTIs, because
blood glucose level of 60 mg/dL (3.3mmol/L) the hormonal changes of pregnancy affect vaginal pH and the bladder. Electrolyte
potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L (3.0 mmol/L) imbalances, such as a potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L and hypoglycemia, evidenced
hemoglobin A1C of 6.8% by a blood glucose level of 60 mg/dl (3.3 mmol/L), aren't associated with vaginal
\]]]]]]]]]]]]]] infections or UTIs. Hemoglobin A1C of 6.8% is within normal range for a client with
diabetes and doesn't increase the client's risk for infection.
An 18-year-old pregnant client tells the nurse that she is Correct response:
concerned that she may not be able to take care of herself should be referred to community resources available for pregnant women.
during her pregnancy. She states that she is not sure what Explanation:
prenatal care is available, or if she should access it. The The client needs to know that many freely available resources exist, and the nurse
nurse should recognize that the client: should help her to find such resources. It doesn't necessarily mean that the client
should be referred to community resources available for has no interest in caring for herself or her child.
pregnant women.
may not take care of herself.
may not be fit to take care of a child.
needs to find a second job.
A nurse is assisting in developing a teaching plan for a Correct response:
client who is about to enter the third trimester of blurred vision
pregnancy. The teaching plan should note that which Explanation:
symptom should be reported immediately?
hemorrhoids During pregnancy, blurred vision may be a danger sign of preeclampsia or
dyspnea on exertion eclampsia, complications that require immediate attention because they can cause
increased vaginal mucus severe maternal and fetal consequences. Although hemorrhoids may occur during
blurred vision pregnancy, they do not require immediate attention. Dyspnea on exertion and
increased vaginal mucus are common discomforts caused by the physiologic
changes of pregnancy.
Following a positive pregnancy test, a client begins Correct response:
discussing the changes that will occur in the next several experiencing ambivalence about pregnancy
months with the nurse. The nurse should include which Explanation:
information about a change the client can anticipate in the
first trimester? Many women in their first trimester feel ambivalent about being pregnant because of
experiencing ambivalence about pregnancy the significant life changes that occur for most women who have a child.
differentiating the self from the fetus Ambivalence can be expressed as a list of positive and negative consequences of
enjoying the role of nurturer having a child, consideration of financial and social implications, and possible
preparing for the reality of parenthood career changes. During the second trimester, the infant becomes a separate
individual to the mother. The mother will begin to enjoy the role of nurturer
postpartum. During the third trimester, the mother begins to prepare for parenthood
and all of the tasks that parenthood includes.
A client, now 37 weeks pregnant, calls the clinic because Correct response:
she is concerned about being short of breath and is unable Explain that these are expected problems for the latter stages of pregnancy.
to sleep unless she places three pillows under her head. Explanation:
After listening to the client's concerns, the nurse should The nurse must distinguish between normal physiologic complaints of the latter
take which action? stages of pregnancy and those that need referral to the health care provider. In this
Arrange for the client to be admitted to the birth center and case, the client indicates normal physiologic changes caused by the growing uterus
prepare for birth. and pressure on the diaphragm. These signs don't indicate heart failure. The client
Make an appointment because the client needs to be doesn't need to be seen or admitted to the birth center.
evaluated.
Explain that these are expected problems for the latter
stages of pregnancy.
Tell the client to go to the hospital; she may be
experiencing signs of heart failure.
, After the nurse instructs a pregnant client about swimming Correct response:
and bathing during pregnancy, which client statement "I can relax in a hot tub for about 20 minutes."
indicates the need for additional teaching? Explanation:
"I should avoid sitting in a sauna for prolonged periods." Exposure to temperature extremes, such as from a hot tub, can cause damage to
"I can take a bath daily but should be careful not to fall." the fetus. Therefore, the client should avoid relaxing in a hot tub. The client's
"I can continue to swim as long as my membranes aren't statement that relaxing in the hot tub would be OK indicates a need for further
ruptured." teaching.Swimming and tub bathing are allowed as long as the client's membranes
"I can relax in a hot tub for about 20 minutes." have not ruptured. During the last trimester of pregnancy, the client's center of
gravity has shifted. Therefore, the nurse should emphasize safety during tub
bathing and swimming. Sitting in a sauna can cause damage to the fetus due to
temperature extremes, so this activity should be avoided. The statements that
swimming is not harmful, that bathing is not harmful, and that prolonged sauna use
should be avoided are all correct and indicate that teaching of these concepts is not
needed.
The health care provider prescribes clomiphene citrate for Correct response:
a woman who has been having difficulty getting pregnant. chance of multiple gestation.
When teaching the client about this drug, the nurse should Explanation:
discuss what potential adverse effects? Clomiphene citrate is a fertility drug that induces ovulation in women desiring
increase in fibrocystic breast disease pregnancy. One of the drug's most common adverse effects is multiple gestation
increase in congenital anomalies (twins or triplets).An increase in spontaneous abortions is not associated with
chance of multiple gestation. clomiphene citrate.Evidence does not support an association between the use of
increase in spontaneous abortions clomiphene citrate and an increase in fibrocystic breast disease.An increase in
congenital anomalies is not associated with clomiphene citrate.
While assessing a multigravid client at 10 weeks' Correct response:
gestation, the nurse notes a purplish color to the vagina Chadwick's sign
and cervix. The nurse documents this as what finding? Explanation:
Goodell's sign A purplish blue discoloration of the vagina and cervix is termed Chadwick's sign; it is
Chadwick's sign caused by increased vascularity of the vagina during pregnancy and is considered a
melasma probable sign of pregnancy. Goodell's sign, also considered a probable sign of
Hegar's sign pregnancy, refers to a softening of the cervix during pregnancy. Hegar's sign, also a
probable sign of pregnancy, refers to a softening of the lower uterine segment.
Melasma, the mask of pregnancy, refers to the pigmentation of the skin on the face
during pregnancy. Melasma is considered a presumptive sign of pregnancy.
A client who's 2 months pregnant complains of urinary Correct response:
frequency and says she gets up several times at night to Explain that urinary frequency is expected during the first trimester.
go to the bathroom. She denies other urinary symptoms. Explanation:
How should the nurse intervene? Urinary frequency is expected during the first trimester as the growing uterus exerts
Explain that urinary frequency isn't a sign of urinary tract pressure on the client's bladder. Although the client should increase fluid intake
infection (UTI). during pregnancy, she should avoid drinking fluids after 6 p.m. to reduce the need to
Explain that urinary frequency is expected during the first get up at night. Because urinary frequency is a normal discomfort of pregnancy and
trimester. the client has no other signs or symptoms of UTI, referral to a urologist is
Advise the client to decrease her daily fluid intake. unnecessary. Urinary frequency, dysuria, and voiding of small amounts of urine
Refer the client to a urologist for further investigation. indicate UTI.
A 20-year-old client visiting the clinic requests the use of Correct response:
oral contraceptives. When reviewing the client's history, thrombophlebitis
which finding would alert the nurse to a possible Explanation:
contraindication to using these agents? Oral contraceptives are contraindicated for clients with a history of thrombophlebitis
urinary tract infections because a serious side effect of oral contraceptives is thrombus formation. Other
menorrhagia contraindications include stroke and liver disease. Oral contraceptives are used
ulcerative colitis cautiously in clients with hypertension or diabetes. Close follow-up of these clients
thrombophlebitis is essential.Urinary tract infections (UTIs) do not contraindicate the use of oral
contraceptives. If the client is suffering from UTIs, the nurse can instruct her to
increase her fluid intake and wipe from front to back after urinating or
defecating.Ulcerative colitis does not contraindicate using oral
contraceptives.Menorrhagia is typically reduced through the use of oral
contraceptives.
A client is a gravida 2 para 1 and is currently 12 weeks Correct response:
gestation. She states that she drank beer throughout her "It is not safe to consume alcohol during pregnancy."
last pregnancy. The client asks the nurse if it is okay to Explanation:
have a few drinks during this current pregnancy. Which Complete abstinence from alcohol use during pregnancy is recommended. A safe
response by the nurse would be most appropriate? level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy has not yet been established.
"It is not safe to consume alcohol in the second and third Conclusive evidence surrounding the effects of either social or moderate drinking on
trimesters but the first is safe if consumed in moderation." the fetus, regardless of trimester or gestation, are not available. The best answer is
"It is safer to consume wine than beer during pregnancy." to advise the pregnant women to abstain from all alcohol usage.
"It is safe to consume 5 ounces or less of alcohol per week
in the first trimester."
"It is not safe to consume alcohol during pregnancy."
